Preparing for an emergency

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Emergencies can arise at any time, so it is important to take simple steps to protect yourself, your family, pets and property during a natural disaster or local emergency.

  1. Know your risk - Think about the area you live in and the types of disasters that could affect you. Connect with NSW emergency services to find out more about your risk.

  2. Plan now for what you'll do - Sit down and talk with your family and plan for what you will do if a disaster affects your area.

  3. Get your home ready - Prepare your home by doing general home maintenance and checking your insurance.

  4. Be aware - Find out how to prepare and what to do if there is a disaster in your area. Check with NSW emergency services to stay informed.

  5. Look out for each other - Share information with your family, friends, neighbours and those who may need assistance. Keep these 5 simple steps on your fridge and start getting ready today.

Download the Hazards Near Me app

With information provided by NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service, stay up to date about local emergencies on Hazards Near Me. The app shows information provided from emergency services on: 

  • bush fires
  • floods
  • tsunamis
  • advice on what to do to stay safe.

To download on your phone, search for Hazards Near Me NSW’ in your app store.

For more information, visit Hazards Near Me app.

Bush fire season

Living close to beautiful bushland is part of Lake Macquarie’s charm, but it’s not without risk.

Homes close to bushland, or even a few streets back in residential areas, can be vulnerable to fire.

Fire season begins on 1 October each year, and it's important to be prepared.

Download the RFS bush fire survival plan guide and have the conversation with your family today.

Hazard Reductions in Lake Macquarie

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Hazard Reduction preparation

Hazard reduction is just one way of preparing for bush fires – it doesn't remove the threat of fire, and it doesn't remove the need for you and your family to be prepared.

There are different types of hazard reduction including controlled burning, mechanical clearing like slashing undergrowth, or even reducing the ground fuel by hand.

If there is a planned burn in your area, be sure to prepare your property:

  • Clear vegetation and leaf litter away from assets such as fences, storage containers, sheds, power poles and machinery.
  • Maintain a clear area near combustible materials such as wood piles.
  • Maintain an area of mown grass around residential dwelling & buildings, and clear gutters of leaf debris.

Upcoming planned burns

Check for upcoming hazard reductions and planned burns in your area. Visit Hazard Reductions - NSW Rural Fire Service for the latest information.